Ask the Treasurer: Introduction
Submitted by: Kate Flewelling
My name is Kate Flewelling, and I’m honored to introduce myself as your MLA Treasurer. In this role, I serve on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors and chair the Finance Committee, which reviews the MLA annual budget, the performance of MLA in meeting its budgeted revenues and expenses, the audit report, and MLA’s investment policy and investments. The committee also assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities.
Beyond these duties, I aim to be MLA’s chief demystifier of finances. Now more than ever, it’s essential for MLA to show that we’re using our limited funds to deliver high-quality services to our members. As former President Beverly Murphy said, we all need to “gravitate toward the collective understanding that ‘We Are MLA’ and that it is up to us, as members and as volunteers, to do what needs to be done for our association.”
Inspired by my predecessor Tony Nguyen’s MLA Finances 101 series, I am launching the “Ask the Treasurer” column. In this column, I will answer your questions about MLA’s finances, budgetary process, or anything else that you’ve always wanted to know about the Association and our money.
To kick things off, here are a few questions and answers to help you get to know me:
- Who Am I?
I have been an MLA member since 2007. I am currently the Director of Alumni Medical Library, Boston University. Prior to that, I was Executive Director of the Network of the National of Medicine – Middle Atlantic Region, University of Pittsburgh. Both these roles have required me to manage millions of dollars and report to and communicate with stakeholders, including the federal government, grant funders, member institutions, university budget offices, and multiple schools. I am a past chair of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Medical Library Association (MAC-MLA).
- How did I become Treasurer?
In 2024, I was elected to the Board of Directors. Then, President Brenda Linares appointed me to be Treasurer-Elect. I served for one year on the Finance Committee, shadowing Tony Nguyen, before becoming Treasurer in June.
Now it’s your turn!
Send me your burning MLA finance questions. If I can’t answer, I will ask one of MLA’s professional team, such as Executive Director Kevin Balozian or Finance Director Kristie Hammel.